Metformin
Category: compound
A biguanide antidiabetic drug being repurposed for cancer prevention and longevity through AMPK activation and metabolic modulation.
Mechanism Detail
Metformin inhibits mitochondrial Complex I, increasing the AMP/ATP ratio and activating AMPK. This suppresses mTOR signaling, reduces hepatic glucose production, enhances insulin sensitivity, and inhibits cancer cell proliferation through multiple pathways including NF-κB suppression and HIF-1α inhibition.
Clinical Status
TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin) trial ongoing. Epidemiological data shows reduced cancer incidence in diabetic patients on metformin. Multiple cancer adjunctive trials underway.
Relevant Diseases
- Stage IV Cancer
- Alzheimer's Disease
Relevant Therapies
- Nutraceuticals
- Lifestyle Interventions
Related Terms
- AMPK
- mTOR
- Autophagy
- Metabolic therapy